How to Plan an 

               Unknown Future  

The Gifts  

of Providence,  

Ingenuity & Blind Faith  

 
When I first told Jada that I wanted to write about her story, as with all of my coaching clients, I assured her that her identity would be kept private. But before I could even complete the sentence, she gushed, "Oh, but I want you to use my name!"

Grit, Grace and Innovation  

Discovering new aspects of our personal power during times of doubt and uncertainty--gives us wings, but so many of us never allow ourselves the opportunity. Instead, we buffer our fear with endless distractions, false security and a bevy of excuses why we don't need to initiate meaningful change. But deep in our gut, we know this is a lie.

As Langdon Morris wrote in his essay, Jan 2010, The Unknown, the Future and the Impossible: "Innovation is always a matter of the dialog between these two poles; between the present and the future, between the known and the unknown, between the possible and the impossible. Those who are committed to the status quo will generally take one side of this dialog, while those who are motivated by their visions of what could or should be often take the opposite view."

A common belief is the future must be generated from our present or past, but this is uninspired thinking. Instead, we must create the future from the boundless and fertile space of imagination and possibility.   

There are two kinds of secrets:  

those we keep from each other, and those we keep from ourselves.

- Frank Warren 

By being bare-bones honest with herself, Jada gained access to an ingenuity that is not acquired via common avenues of learning. In her willingness to surrender and sit in the space of "naked vulnerability", she tapped a quantum intelligence that completely changed the trajectory of her future. With grit, grace and innovation, Jada faced the unknown road before her, not as an obstacle, but as the wide open space of unfettered possibility.

The future is called "perhaps," which is the only  possible thing to call the future. And the only important thing is 

not to allow that to scare you. 

 - Tennessee Williams, Orpheus Descending, 1957

The World is Flat - Creating New Paradigms   

What if: much of what we know simply isn't true anymore? 

What if: the future isn't contingent on owning a home, an SUV or a flat screen television, because the "new quest" is living simply? 

What if: the next sought-after "expertise" is instructing others how to creatively and successfully navigate change and unpredictability?

What if: we measured our riches not by the balance of our portfolios, but in doing what really matters; in doing what brings us joy?   

 
You create your opportunities  

by asking for them 

- Shakti Gwain

Linear thinking will not suffice in an exponentially changing world, and one of the most important things that we can do to ready ourselves for the future is to create a solid personal foundation today. Everyone needs help moving through personal blocks at one time or another, but many people wait until they're in full-blown crisis before seeking it. That's what impressed me the most about Jada: she sought support before the shit hit the fan. In fact, Jada asked for help knowing she would be challenged with new ideas, insights and methodologies.

Effectively navigating the future requires a curious and contradictory

medley of endeavors: action and waiting, trusting and questioning, pushing ahead and letting go. Put simply, innovative change is a balancing act of strategic planning and blind faith.  

Resisting change is a fact of life, but resist it or embrace it, it's coming around the bend. Not only must we be ready to creatively embrace and navigate change -- we must BE the change.   

Oh, and by the way ... Jada leaves for Eastern Europe for her two year service with the Peace Corp in early 2012. Well done, Jada! 

Ever-changingly yours,

Robyn

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Urban Goddess Website

Some people change when they see the light, others when they feel the heat.

1. Learn to 'Just Be'    

We tend to think we must be in control, so we over think and over do. Sit still. Observe. Wonder. Just be.

2. Shake it up  

Shift your routine and get out of old ruts. Try new foods, take a different route home, attend a class, paint your front door. 

3. Trust the process

Surrender to the unknown and be naked in your vulnerability. Life is full of surprises; expect them. 

4. Ask for help

Seek guidance; someone to help you plan, dream and navigate; to hold you accountable, to support you, and cheer you on.  

5. Life is an Adventure    Helen Keller wrote: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."  

Choose Adventure  

BE THE CHANGE